Mrs. Dorothy (Newton) Haynes

UTICA – Mrs. Dorothy (Newton) Haynes, age 72, peacefully transitioned from labor to reward surrounded by her loving family and friends on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Born in Utica on November 25, 1952, Dorothy was the beloved daughter of the late Martin Newton and Ruby (Lasane) Newton Minor. She was a proud graduate of Utica Free Academy. After graduation in 1970, Dorothy continued her education by taking courses at the Utica School of Commerce and eventually, Boston University. Dorothy began her professional career at Marine Midland Bank before accepting a position as a secretary at Utica College. She later joined Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she devoted over 30 years of dedicated service, ultimately retiring as a supervisor. Even in retirement, Dorothy remained active, taking on a new (and the most recent) role as a Laundry Clerk at Slocum Dickson Medical Group. Dorothy, affectionately called “Sister” by most that knew and loved her, was never one to sit still for long! Dorothy was a woman whose heart always beat for others. Caring and friendly, she had a sparkling, outgoing personality that lit up every room that she stepped foot in. In every walk that she took in life, Dorothy never met a stranger. A true fashionista at heart, she loved to look her best and embraced her own unique, flashy style. She loved ANYTHING that had glitter and sparkled. Her outfits were not complete without earrings, necklaces, bracelets and shoes to match! At one point in her life, her brother Jan discovered that Dorothy had over 100 pairs of shoes and hundreds (maybe thousands) more since then! She also enjoyed going to the casino and when possible, gathering both friends and family together to go on casino trips! Deeply committed to her community, Dorothy gave generously of her time, volunteering at the Hope House and visiting loved ones in nursing homes. As a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Baptist Church, she served on the usher board, led the Beautifying Club as past president, and was active in assisting with various church activities. An excellent communicator, she had a gift for delivering heartfelt speeches at church that always included extravagant movements, bold statements and most importantly, inspiration. Dorothy cherished the memory of her only daughter, Davida Haynes who preceded her in death when she was only six years old. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her sister, Shirley A. Roundtree; brothers and sisters-in-law, Randolph Felton Newton and Shirley Robinson-Newton, Jan Newton and Cynthia Stenson, and LRoy Newton. She fondly remembered her brothers who preceded her: John Newton and Alfred “Fig” Newton. She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Gladys “Cookie” Newton that she often called to inquire about making her infamous banana pudding. Dorothy also leaves a host of nieces and nephews to cherish her memory, especially acknowledging Brittany Roundtree (whom she loved as a daughter), Alfred “A.J.” Newton, Nashuna Newton, Nakiesha Newton and Michelle Matthews. Additionally, Dorothy also leaves a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, with special mention of Noah Awomewe, whom she was so excited to see! Dorothy’s memory will also be cherished by special cousins, Robert Cunningham and the Shelton Family; and extended family members of the Felton family, Priscilla and Rev. Booker Pearson, Dorothy Felton-Scott and Benjamin Felton. Her family would consider it remiss of them if they did not mention her very best friends (from near and far) that were by her side until her last days, Sandra Linen, Rosalyn Parker, Janet Robinson, Diane Blackshear, Carolyn Washington, Jeannette Frazier, Atha Frazier, Pamela Williams, and Pastor Marilyn Bell. Dorothy was additionally predeceased by her stepfather, Hildreth Minor; nephew, Sylvester Roundtree, Jr.; aunt, Ruth Lasane; her loving partner, Walter L. Washington, Sr.; and members of the Felton Family, General Elder Charles Henry Felton Sr., Bishop Willie Felton Sr., Eddie James Felton, David Felton, Michael Felton, Henry Otis Felton, and Peter Felton. One Final Word from the Family: In her last speech, Sister wanted everyone to live the words taken from a speech by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Spelman College. He stated, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward!” These words were her favorite and we believe that she lived them until her last breath and we know that she would want you to do the same. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 219 Leah, St. Dorothy’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Those unable to attend may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85660820437. Interment will take place in New Forest Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., Utica, corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Dorothy (Newton) Haynes

November 25, 1952 - August 3, 2025